According to wire reports (as published in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram), New York Yankee manager Joe Torre was offered a contract for 2008 worth $5,000,000. This is $2,500,000 less than he earned in 2007. Torre, who is the highest-paid manager in the history of baseball, declined the offer. The wire report says that he was “essentially forced out.” How can he be forced out when he was offered a contract? Yes, it was for less than he previously earned, but he could have accepted it. And why should he not take a pay cut? He hasn’t led his team to a World Series title since 2000, despite having the best players money can buy. This year, he couldn’t even beat the Boston Red Sox. What does he expect, a raise? Suppose the Yankees had told Torre, “Retire or we will break your legs.” That would be forcing (i.e., coercing) him out.